press the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "press the matter" is grammatically correct and appropriate to use in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about persistently or forcefully bringing up a topic or issue that needs to be addressed or resolved. For example, you could say: - "I tried to press the matter with my boss, but she brushed off my concerns." - "It's time to press the matter of equal pay for women in the workplace." - "We need to press the matter of climate change with our government officials before it's too late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

C.I.A. officials did not press the matter.

The New York Times

Yet it is unlikely to press the matter.

The Economist

The psychiatrist brought in by Corkin decided to press the matter.

The New Yorker

Mr. Coombs attempted to press the matter for several minutes, with Mr. Lamo evading his questions.

The New York Times

Even then, he found he didn't know how to press the matter, what words to use.

The New Yorker

"I didn't feel it was in my purview to press the matter," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

I pressed the matter.

The New Yorker

Disgusted with such a low amount, she pressed the matter.

The New York Times

Regrettably, their leaders have not pressed the matter.

The New York Times

After I pressed the matter, it turned out there was one, and a reservation was made.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Jaradat said that if Mr. Abu Saryeh pressed the matter, he would go to the municipality to explain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "press the matter" when you want to convey a sense of persistent and assertive follow-through on a particular issue. This phrase is appropriate in formal and professional contexts where a resolution is actively being sought.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "press the matter" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "bring it up again" or "keep asking" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "press the matter" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically acting as the main verb or part of a verb phrase. It describes the action of persistently and forcefully pursuing a topic, issue, or course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "press the matter" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies persistently pursuing an issue until it is properly addressed or resolved. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when conveying a sense of urgency and determination, but avoid overusing it in casual settings to maintain a natural tone. Alternatives such as "pursue the issue" or "insist on the point" can be used to tailor the nuance to the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue the issue

Focuses on the act of following up on an issue, differing from "press the matter" which emphasizes insistence.

push the subject

Suggests a more forceful approach in steering the conversation, similar to "press the matter" in its insistence.

insist on the point

Highlights the act of firmly maintaining a position, slightly more assertive than "press the matter".

persist in the inquiry

Focuses on maintaining effort in questioning, conveying a sense of determination similar to "press the matter".

continue to inquire

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the questioning or investigation, less forceful than "press the matter".

drive the point home

Implies making a point very clearly and emphatically, more assertive and less about continued dialogue than "press the matter".

push for resolution

Highlights striving towards a conclusive agreement, differing from insistence alone in "press the matter".

demand further investigation

Highlights the need for a more in-depth examination, adding an element of requirement not as present in "press the matter".

urge further action

Emphasizes the need for action or steps to be taken, changing focus from the discussion itself.

advance the argument

Centers on promoting a particular perspective or reasoning, subtly different from advocating for action in "press the matter".

FAQs

What does "press the matter" mean?

The phrase "press the matter" means to persistently or forcefully pursue a discussion, investigation, or action related to a specific issue or topic. It implies a determination to not let the issue drop until it is resolved or properly addressed.

When is it appropriate to use "press the matter"?

It is appropriate to use "press the matter" in formal or professional contexts where you want to convey a sense of determined follow-through on an important issue. It's suitable for situations where persistence is needed to achieve a resolution.

What are some alternatives to "press the matter"?

You can use alternatives like "pursue the issue", "insist on the point", or "push the subject" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "press the matter" differ from "drop the matter"?

"Press the matter" implies a proactive and persistent approach to an issue, whereas "drop the matter" suggests abandoning or ceasing pursuit of the issue. They are direct opposites in meaning.